Kitchen of the Week: A Part-Time Space Fully Satisfies
A scaled-down approach doesn't mean sacrificing, in this heavenly white kitchen with all the modern conveniences
Vanessa Brunner
September 14, 2012
Houzz Contributor
Although this pied-à-terre kitchen in San Francisco gets less use than one in a full-time home, the owners still wanted all the conveniences of a complete kitchen. Used mainly for a week to a month at a time, it has 82 square feet of space — meaning the owners had to keep their wish list to a minimum. To make the kitchen feel like home, they hired designer Mimi Chen, who brought in an elegant folding glass door, smart countertop organization and a fitting dining set — creating a casual but elegant space that's ideal for light cooking and dining.
Set next to the unit's porch, the kitchen has a La Cantina folding glass door that allows the table and chairs to be easily moved outside. The 30-inch-diameter Tripod Table from West Elm fits the small kitchen perfectly, providing just enough space for casual dining.
The kitchen floors are made of durable and ecofriendly Terrazzo Crete, a custom-made polished concrete with exposed aggregates and iridescent fragments that shimmer in the sunlight.
Chairs: Overstock.com
The kitchen floors are made of durable and ecofriendly Terrazzo Crete, a custom-made polished concrete with exposed aggregates and iridescent fragments that shimmer in the sunlight.
Chairs: Overstock.com
Chen installed a long horizontal window above the countertop to help visually expand the space. A 1-inch step in the ceiling gives the kitchen and dining area a subtle sense of definition.
The kitchen's width is 7 feet, 6 inches, and Chen designed a 34-inch-deep counter. The extra depth allows for items and appliances to stay visible without blocking necessary prep space.
The Gaggenau 12-inch Vario gas cooktop takes up minimal space with its two burners, but it has the operational power of a larger cooktop.
The Gaggenau 12-inch Vario gas cooktop takes up minimal space with its two burners, but it has the operational power of a larger cooktop.
A small range hood from Zephyr ventilates the tiny cooktop and has built-in task lighting. A small custom stainless steel sink is appropriate for less dish washing, and a built-in soap dispenser cuts down on counter clutter. On the underside of the window head, a small outlet strip is hidden but convenient.
Hood: Twister, Zephyr
Hood: Twister, Zephyr
Porcelanosa cabinet pulls help dress up the Ikea cabinetry. The upper cabinetry doesn't butt into the ceiling, allowing a strip of LED lighting to define the recess.
Undercounter refrigerator: GE
Undercounter refrigerator: GE
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There are many ways to make small spaces work hard! The below cabinet was a DIY conversion which added 25% more storage space. Each basket cost around $70, incl slides, which was excellent value considering the wire is stainless steel and comes with a lifetime warranty against rust. The baskets have clear non slip bases so everything is stable & super easy to clean. Here are more ideas how to optimise narrow spaces.